2004 -- H 8449

=======

LC03117

=======

STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2004

____________

H O U S E R E S O L U T I O N

CONGRATULATING VINNY PAZ ON THE INCREDIBLE ACCOMPLISHMENT OF

WINNING FIFTY CAREER BOXING MATCHES

     Introduced By: Representatives Murphy, Schadone, Trillo, Corvese, and Petrarca

     Date Introduced: April 22, 2004

     Referred To: House read and passed

1-1

     WHEREAS, Vinny Paz, the pride of Rhode Island, wrapped up his stellar boxing career

1-2

Saturday night on March 27th, when he won the fiftieth fight of his career by defeating Tucker

1-3

Pudwill in a ten round decision; and

1-4

     WHEREAS, Vinny Paz, known affectionately as "The Pazmanian Devil," was born in

1-5

Cranston, Rhode Island in 1962. After building a reputation around the east coast as a fighter to

1-6

be reckoned with and defeating the likes of Roberto Elizondo, Vinny Paz finally attained a title

1-7

fight when he met IBF Champion Greg Haugen on June 7, 1987; and

1-8

     WHEREAS, In a fight that would become a legend in boxing circles, Vinny Paz

1-9

outfought Haugen and won a fifteen round decision to become the IBF Champion. Paz and

1-10

Haugen would meet two more times, with Haugen winning the second fight but Vinny Paz

1-11

coming back to win the rubber match by prevailing in a ten round decision in 1990; and

1-12

     WHEREAS, After his third fight with Haugen, Vinny Paz's boxing career became an

1-13

inspiration to many. His relentless spirit and refusal to give into overwhelming odds has made

1-14

him a legend in boxing circles and in the state of Rhode Island; and

1-15

     WHEREAS, In 1991, Vinny Paz moved to the Jr. Middleweight Division and made

1-16

history by making the biggest jump in weight from one title to another when he challenged and

1-17

defeated WBA World Jr. Middleweight Champion Gilbert Dale with a thrilling eleventh round

1-18

knockout win in Providence; and

1-19

     WHEREAS, Tragedy struck Vinny Paz when he was severely injured in a car crash and

2-1

he was forced to vacate his title. Doctors told him he would never fight again. But the doctors

2-2

underestimated Vinny Paz's incredible spirit and ability to overcome the odds. After three

2-3

months in the hospital and wearing a neck brace, he made one of the greatest comebacks in the

2-4

history of sports when he returned to the ring against his doctors recommendations and defeated

2-5

former WBC World Champion Luis Santana; and

2-6

     WHEREAS, Vinny Paz has defeated numerous famous fighters including the great

2-7

Roberto Duran twice, but more important than his achievements inside the ring is the way he has

2-8

conducted himself outside the ring. Vinny Paz loves giving out autographs to his many fans and

2-9

is always willing to donate his time for a good charitable purpose; now, therefore be it

2-10

     RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island and

2-11

Providence Plantations hereby congratulates Vinny Paz for winning his fiftieth boxing match,

2-12

thanks him for the many thrills he gave all of his fans in Rhode Island, and wishes him continued

2-13

success in all future endeavors; and be it further

2-14

     RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and he is hereby authorized and directed to

2-15

transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to Vinny Paz.

=======

LC03117

=======